Meeting Minutes – October 6, 2024


Attendees: Brian B., Lauren K., Hayley F., Mars T., Sofia F., Sean C., Max N.

Attendees introduced themselves. Party officers gave newcomers information about the SPUSA and the Baltmore local chapter.

A local member has filed paperwork on behalf of the Stodden/Cholensky campaign so it will be a certified write-in candidate for the 2024 general election. Members were given the following instructions for writing in the SPUSA Presidential ticket:

Using a voting machine: Touch the box to the left of the word “WRITE-IN” in the contest you wish to cast a write-in vote. Using the electronic keyboard, enter the name STODDEN, WILLIAM. Then press RECORD WRITE-IN to cast your vote. Your vote will not be counted unless the RECORD button is pushed.

Using a paper mail-in ballot: A vote must write STODDEN, WILLIAM on the designated write-in line under the contest title. The voter must completely fill in the oval to the left of the write-in candidate’s name.

Attendees agreed to issue a brief statement noting the continuing occupation and destruction of Palestine.

Attendees agreed to issue statements in support of Maryland’s Question 1 (Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment) and in opposition to Baltimore’s Question H (City Council Size Reduction Charter Amendment).

Members are asked to attend the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s “Community Input Session” at the Reisterstown Road Branch on Saturday, October 19 at 11AM. Despite the formation of Pratt Workers United, the library has failed to agree with the union on a contract. Members are asked to request that library leadership work to agree to a contract.

Attendees discussed re-starting the tradition of holding a Debs Day Dinner in 2025. The group also agreed to hold a year-end celebration on December 14 named the Elisabeth Gilman Day Dinner, in honor of Elisabeth Gilman, Socialist Party candidate for Governor of Maryland, U.S. Senator from Maryland, Baltimore Mayor and Sheriff. The time and location of the first Elisabeth Gilman Day Dinner are to be determined.

The group watched a portion of the Stodden/Cholensky response to the Vance/Walz Vice Presidential debate from earlier in the week.

The last meeting of 2024 will be held at Red Emma’s on Sunday, December 1.